Greene a finalist for Manatee superintendent of schools

Fessenden Elementary School Principal Diana Greene has been named a finalist for Manatee County superintendent of schools.

By Joe CallahanStaff writer

Fessenden Elementary School Principal Diana Greene, a former deputy superintendent of schools, has been named one of six finalists for Manatee County superintendent of schools.

Greene, who in November lost the election for Marion County superintendent of schools and was demoted to principal, said she has a lot to offer in terms education. She said Monday that she feels Manatee County's school district is very similar in terms of student population and programs.

"I feel like I can hit the ground running," she said.

In Manatee County, the school board selects the superintendent. Marion County is one of only about 100 districts in the United States that still elect their superintendents. Also on the list of Manatee County finalists is Pam Stewart, a former Marion County principal who became an interim commissioner of the Florida Department of Education.

Greene said she loves her role at Fessenden. However, she knows it's time for her to run a school district.

"I was deputy superintendent for nearly 10 years," she noted. "They have a version of our MTI (Marion Technical Institute), which may be even bigger, and the IB (International Baccalaureate) program. They have many magnet programs within the district. It really is very similar to Marion County, and I think I can make an immediate impact there."

Greene said she wants the community to understand that she loves the Fessenden community. Her mission, she said, is to become a superintendent.

"I have been very open with my staff (at Fessenden)," Greene said. "The staff here is wonderful and the parents are great. This really does not have anything to do with Fessenden. I know I have a lot to offer education."

Greene said Manatee officials would not regret picking her because "I would be there for the long run."